Why do women die during a pregnancy?

When you give birth at a Louisiana hospital, you usually expect everything to go smoothly. Sometimes there may be complications that result in a woman’s death, however, and if a doctor could have prevented the situation, these deaths may be considered wrongful.

Sometimes a direct pregnancy complication can endanger a woman’s life. According to Very Well Family, mothers who experience an ectopic pregnancy or uterine rupture may die if they do not receive the necessary treatment and care. Additionally, high blood pressure may be dangerous if doctors do not catch it early and take precautions. Sometimes women may lose too much blood as they give birth, and this can be fatal if a skillful doctor is not nearby.

While most people consider a cesarean section to be safe, there are times when this procedure might result in a woman’s death. Women may lose blood during the surgery or have a bad reaction to the anesthesia. Some mothers may also develop a blood clot or an infection because of the procedure, and these may lead to death if they are not treated.

Sometimes a woman might die from a condition she develops while pregnant, such as anemia or diabetes. Mothers who have preexisting health problems, such as heart disease, may find that their condition worsens during the pregnancy, and complications relating to this condition may sometimes result in a woman’s death. These indirect causes are responsible for roughly 27.5 percent of the 700 maternal deaths which occur each year.

This information is intended to educate. It should not be used in place of legal advice.